March Web Con Workshop: Planning with Purpose: Cross-Functional Team Leadership in Event Management

Workshop description: 
Attend an online round-table discussion on March 25 from 10-11 a.m. to learn about what it’s like to lead a cross-functional team of experts across campus to execute a multi-day event with internal and external stakeholders. Mariana Seda (Associate Director for Strategic Communications, FAA) and Abby Bobrow (Associate Director of Storytelling, OVCIA) will share insights from their time co-chairing the University of Illinois Web Conference in 2023 and 2024.   

Speaker bios: 
 
Mariana Seda serves as the associate director for strategic communications at the College of Fine and Applied Arts at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She develops creative media strategies and amplifies stories through print and online channels that highlight the impact and visibility of the college, its units, and the individual artists, designers, researchers, and practitioners within. Mariana works collaboratively to strengthen connections across academic and engagement units, community and state partners, and other stakeholders. Mariana also served on the U of I Web Conference Planning committee for five years, with two years as co-chair, and spent several years as the director of marketing and events for a family vineyard and winery in northern California. With 20 years of experience in professional, community, and academic arts, Mariana is also a performer, director, and dramaturg, and runs a great box office. 
 
Abby Bobrow serves as the Associate Director of Storytelling for the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement. She works closely with the Storytelling Director and the Art Director to produce rich and inspiring content that drives engagement among our vast audience of alumni, donors, and friends. Abby is also the Associate Editor of STORIED magazine, which shares compelling impact stories about life at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Abby has served on the U. of I. Web Con Conference Planning committee since 2019. She co-chaired Web Con in 2023 and 2024, and she is also chairing the conference in 2025.